Re: What do I do if my baby has a bad reaction to a vaccine?
Luckily, most children only have mild reactions to vaccinations, if they have any reaction at all. It’s common for babies to have a bit of soreness or swelling at the site of the injection as well as a low-grade fever. They may also experience fatigue, crankiness, and a slight loss of appetite, so don’t be anxious if baby is showing any of these symptoms. The symptoms should last only for a day or two, but be sure to check with your doctor if you have any concerns. Your doctor may suggest giving baby an infants’ ibuprofen or acetaminophen for relief.
It’s also important to know that some vaccines are likely to cause specific kinds of reactions. The MMR vaccine (for measles, mumps, and rubella) can cause a fever and rash 7 to 10 days after baby is injected, and the DTaP vaccine (for diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus) has been known to cause some children to cry inconsolably for many hours at a time. Severe reactions to vaccines are rare, but they do happen. Call your doctor (or 911) immediately if your child experiences any of the following symptoms:
[ ] High fever (over 104 degrees)
[ ] Difficulty breathing
[ ] Hoarseness
[ ] Wheezing
[ ] Hives
[ ] Paleness
[ ] Dizziness
[ ] Fainting
[ ] Rapid heartbeat
Keep in mind that all babies react differently to vaccinations and medications, so be sure to check with your doctor if baby starts to show any abnormal symptoms.
Jayme Klock